Sex & the City author Candace Bushnell

By Emily Florence

Most celebrated for introducing the world to Carrie Bradshaw and the women of Sex & the City,Candace Bushnell went from making $10K a year to the NY Times bestseller list and continues to influence pop culture with her latest novel, Lipstick Jungle. While preparing to speak at the University of Southern Carolina (Columbia), Ms. Bushnell took a break to chat with Savvy Miss about her tumultuous-turned-triumphant career as a writer.

SM: What actions did you first take to become a writer?Candace Bushnell: When I was little, my sisters and I weren't really allowed to watch TV, so I grew up writing little screenplays and stories. I don't think that my parents actually believed that one could support oneself as a writer. It was like a little artistic hobby that one did. When I went to college [Rice University, Houston], I took all writing courses and I majored in writing, then I kind of ran away and went to NYU where I was enrolled in a special program for people who knew what they wanted to do. [At NYU] I did internships and really started writing professionally at 19 or 20.

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Chloe -- Los Angeles

After reading this article I feel inspired. It is so hard to continue reaching for success when you can't see whats around the corner. Dicipline is such an important indgreidient. One that I lack. I love the advice Candace Bushnell shares. I think I am going to read it again. Thank you Savvy Miss.

Rosolye -- Endeavour Hills

This is a great interview. Thanks! For me, achieving success is based on how much I believe in myself and how I learn to see or create favorable circumstances. Its not necessarily wealth or recognition, but these things can evolve. I agree with Candace that writing or any other passion can blossom into success from hard work. This also happens when we least expect. Goal-setting is very personal and so is the means by which we achieve anything. People will tell you what they think you can or can't do, then, you need to decide for yourself what you wish to so and what's really possible.